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$120.00
C.S.S. Virginia | Formerly, the U.S.S. Merrimac. In July of 1861, the confederate Navy began converting the partly burned hull of the captured Union wooden steam frigate, Merrimac, to an ironclad. Rechristened Virginia, she set forth in March, 1862 to do battle against the blockading U.S. Navy fleet, eventually meeting her match, the Monitor.
The CSS Virginia, also known as the Merrimack, was a Confederate ironclad warship during the American Civil War. It played a significant role in the naval history of the United States, as it was the first ironclad vessel to engage in a battle against another ironclad ship. The CSS Virginia was originally a steam frigate that had been scuttled and burned by its Union crew in an attempt to prevent it from falling into the hands of the Confederacy. However, the Confederates were able to salvage the ship and transform it into a formidable ironclad vessel.
The design of the CSS Virginia was based on the plans of French engineer, John Ericsson, who had designed a similar ironclad ship for the Union. However, due to a lack of resources and time, the Confederates were forced to make modifications to the original design. The ship was outfitted with a sloping armored casemate, which was made of iron plates that were 4 inches thick. This innovative design made the CSS Virginia virtually impenetrable to the weapons of the Union navy, which mostly consisted of wooden ships.
This CSS Virginia Model kit is intended for the less experienced modeler. It contains a pre-carved basswood hull, finely cast Britannia fittings, and all the other parts needed to complete this historic vessel.
It is important to note that some pictured items may have been built with optional items not included as part of standard kits, such as pedestals, bases, cases, paint, etc.
If there are any questions about the contents of a particular kit, please contact Bluejacket.
Paint Kit Contents:
Thinner (1 oz)
Clear (1 oz)
Primer
Flat Black
Flat White
Anti Fouling Red
LOA: 17.5″
Scale: 1/16″
Finished Model: $1,250.00
The CSS Virginia was powered by both steam and sail, with two steam engines providing a speed of 6 knots. It was armed with a variety of weapons, including 10 guns, 2 rifled cannons, and 6 smoothbore guns. Its most powerful weapon was the 7-inch Brooke rifle, which was capable of firing a 90-pound shell up to 3 miles. This impressive arsenal made the CSS Virginia a formidable opponent on the battlefield.
On March 8, 1862, the CSS Virginia engaged in a historic battle with the Union’s ironclad ship, the USS Monitor, in the waters of Hampton Roads, Virginia. The two ships exchanged fire for hours, with neither vessel able to gain a significant advantage. However, the CSS Virginia was able to inflict serious damage on the USS Monitor, causing panic among the Union sailors. Eventually, the two ships were forced to retreat due to low tides and the threat of grounding.
The CSS Virginia continued to wreak havoc on Union ships, causing blockades and disrupting supply lines. However, it was eventually destroyed by its own crew in May 1862, as the Confederates were forced to evacuate their naval base in Norfolk, Virginia. The ship was set on fire and blown up to prevent it from falling into the hands of the Union.
Despite its short lifespan, the CSS Virginia remains an iconic symbol of Confederate naval power and innovation. Its design and capabilities paved the way for modern warships and forever changed the course of naval warfare. Today, a replica of the CSS Virginia can be seen at the Mariners’ Museum in Newport News, Virginia, serving as a reminder of the bravery and ingenuity of those who served on this historic vessel.
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$120.00
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